If you bought an iPhone 16 last year and, after reading skeptical articles, think you won't reach for the iPhone 17 2025 this year, you're in for a surprise. Apple has carefully prepared new features for the fall model that you will actually feel: a 120 Hz ProMotion display in all models, a larger and brighter OLED, a 24-megapixel selfie camera, a triple 48-MP camera array with support for 8K video, a new A19 chip family and 12 GB of RAM for artificial intelligence, faster Wi-Fi 7 and an improved battery. We reviewed reliable sources and collected more than seven reasons why the iPhone 17 should be your next phone.
When we published an article titled “If You Have an iPhone 16, You Won’t Buy an iPhone 17 2025 This Year” a little over a month ago, the goal was to reassure readers. But the tech world doesn’t stand still, and just a month later, it seems that the result will be exactly the opposite. Apple is preparing for a major update, so the iPhone 17 2025 will also tempt satisfied owners of the sixteen. We have collected at least seven important reasons that you simply won’t be able to resist it.
iPhone 17 2025: 120-Hz ProMotion display for every model
The biggest new feature is the 120Hz ProMotion display, which will also be available on the base iPhone 17 for the first time. MacRumors reports that Apple will use LTPO-OLED displays that allow for a refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz, allowing for incredibly smooth scrolling, gaming, and always-on mode. The base model with a 6.3-inch (16 cm) display will thus receive technology that has previously been reserved for the Pro versions. The iPhone 17 and 17 Air models will use the same panels as the iPhone 16 Pro, which deliver about 30% higher brightness and better endurance. This means that you will notice a brighter screen outside in the sun, and you will be able to see the image even at sharper angles. (Source: MacRumors)
Larger and thinner design, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air
The standard iPhone 17 will be slightly larger than the 6.3-inch (16 cm) iPhone 16, with a 6.1-inch (15.5 cm) display, but the bezels will be thinner. The new Air model will attract the most attention: rumors say it will be only about 5.5 mm thick, almost half the thickness of today's phones. It will be the thinnest iPhone ever, and it is expected to weigh around 145 g (0.32 lb). To keep it thin, the Air will retain only a single 48-MP main sensor, but it will be capable of a 2x cutout, while the Pro models will get a wider, rectangular camera bar and a bolder color palette. If the previous design left you cold, the new aesthetic - thinner and more modern - will clearly tell you that you are holding a new phone. (Sources: MacRumors, Macgasm)
Upgraded 24MP selfie camera and new front optics
All four iPhone 17 models will get a new 24-megapixel selfie camera with six-element optics. This upgrade will bring twice as much information compared to the 12-MP sensor in the iPhone 16 and noticeably better photos and video calls. The larger sensor allows for a larger crop without losing quality, which will appeal to social media users. The portal 9to5Mac reports that the new front camera also improves the quality of FaceTime and Night mode. (Sources: MacRumors, 9to5Mac)
iPhone 17 2025: Triple 48MP camera, 8K video and mechanical shutter on Pro models
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will be equipped with three 48MP sensors for the first time: wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto. Macgasm adds that the telephoto lens could offer up to eight times optical zoom. The result is more detailed photos and the ability to record 8K video, which surpasses the 4K recording of the iPhone 16. Apple is also expected to offer a variable aperture on the Pro models, which allows you to adjust the depth of field like on DSLRs. Vloggers will be interested in the dual recording function, as the camera will allow you to record with the rear and front sensors simultaneously. All of these improvements together make the phone attractive to content creators; photos and videos will be significantly better than on the 16. (Sources: MacRumors, Macgasm)
More power: A19 chip, 12GB RAM, and improved cooling
The advancements aren't just in the camera; the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are said to be powered by the new A19 Pro chip, built on an improved 3nm (3NP) process. MacRumors says the processor will deliver greater power efficiency and faster performance, while Macgasm adds that all but the base model will come with 12GB of RAM. That's a 50% jump from the 8GB of RAM in the iPhone 16, which is crucial for running Apple Intelligence features and for smooth multitasking. The Pro models are also said to get new cooling with a vapor chamber that evenly dissipates heat. If you've ever complained about your phone heating up while gaming or making video calls, the new generation will greatly alleviate this. (Sources: MacRumors, 9to5Mac)
Faster connections: Wi-Fi 7 and Apple's own modem
Apple will integrate its own Wi-Fi 7 chipset into all iPhone 17s this year. The Wi-Fi 7 standard allows for the simultaneous use of 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz frequencies and transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is several times the speed of the Wi-Fi 6E standard in the iPhone 16. For at least one model – most likely the iPhone 17 Air – Apple is also testing its own 5G modem, which will reduce dependence on Qualcomm chips in the future. This brings the user a more stable connection, lower power consumption, and faster data transfer on Wi-Fi and 5G networks. (Source: MacRumors)
iPhone 17 2025: Larger battery and faster charging
According to MacRumors, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will get a battery that exceeds 5,000 mAh – this is about seven percent more than the 4,676 mAh in the sixteenth. The Pro Max will therefore withstand even longer marathons (two days of moderate use), while the Pro should maintain a similar capacity. Also new is a new type of glue that will make it easier to replace the battery – the glue softens with low voltage, which means cheaper and easier repairs. Charging will remain at 35 W via cable, but wireless charging will be improved, as the Qi 2.2 standard will allow up to 25 W. Less time on the charger means more time for use. (Source: MacRumors)
Colors and materials for every taste
This year, Apple is bringing bolder colors: rumors say we'll see a dark blue and a copper/orange hue in addition to the classic black, white, and silver. The Pro models will use an aluminum frame with a partially glass back instead of titanium, while the Air is said to use a titanium alloy for greater strength and lower weight. The new color palette and materials are important because they indicate that you have the latest model - something that can't be seen at first glance on the iPhone 16. (Sources: 9to5Mac, Macgasm)
Smarter iOS 26 and exclusive Apple Intelligence features
With the iPhone 17, Apple will introduce iOS 26. The new system will bring a redesigned Dynamic Island and the integration of Apple Intelligence – generative artificial intelligence, which is partly exclusive to models with the A19 chip. This includes a smarter Siri, automatic information summarization, better photo and video editing, and personalized suggestions. If you want to take advantage of the full capabilities of artificial intelligence, you will need the iPhone 17, as the iPhone 16 only gets a part of the features. (Source: MacRumors)
Conclusion: will you replace your iPhone 16 with an iPhone 17 from 2025?
If you thought your iPhone 16 was still “good enough” and you were skipping the upgrade this year, this information will dispel your doubts. From the universal 120Hz display and larger, brighter OLED panel to 24MP selfies, triple 48MP cameras with 8K recording, 12GB of RAM, faster Wi-Fi 7, a larger battery, and a bold design – the iPhone 17 represents a clear step forward. Apple has made sure that the improvements are visible and tangible in everyday use, so iPhone 16 owners will have a solid argument that this is the time to upgrade.
